You don’t always need 3D software to create a 3 dimensional graphic. Today we will create a 3D mailbox using several of Photoshop’s tools and techniques. Let’s get started!

Tutorial Assets

The following assets were used during the production of this tutorial

• Rock

Step 1

First, start with a new file 700x900px with a resolution of 300ppi. Then, using the Gradient tool (G) set to Radial Gradient, make a nice gradient using the indicated color codes below.

Step 2

For this project I started with a simple sketch of the mailbox in a new layer. Then, using Pen tool (P), I added the perspective lines that will guide us in creating the major shapes of each parts of the mailbox. After defining the perspective guidelines, decrease the opacity level of the layer.

Step 3

Next, using the Pen tool (P), make a shape just like as shown in a. After defining the shape, right-click and select Make Selection from the dropdown menu, b. Next, using the Paint Bucket tool (G), fill the entire layer with any color you like. At this step we’re only defining the shape of each components, so it’s not necessary for certain color numbers at this point. Then, press Cmd/Ctrl + T to activate the resizing handles. Right-click and select Skew from the dropdown menu. Skew the shape as shown in c making sure to follow the perspective guidelines we made earlier. Next duplicate the layer then resize it a little bit smaller than the first one, e. Next make the shape that will complete the shape of the mailbox. To do this, use the Pen tool (P) to make a shape like as shown in f. Then, press right-click and select the Make Selection from the dropdown menu. Lastly, using the Paint Bucket tool (G), fill the entire layer with the same color number you used for the front and back ends of the mailbox, g. Then merge the back face of the mailbox with the connection and name it as "a-1."

Step 4

Next are the shapes for the Main Shaft. To do this, start by using the Rectangular Marquee tool (M), a, then color the selected area, with any color using the Paint Bucket tool (G), b. Lastly, hit Cmd/Ctrl + T to activate the resizing handles then select Free Transform from the dropdown menu. Follow the perspective guidelines we’ve made for the correct positioning of the handle points.

Step 5

Repeat the steps we’ve done in both steps 3 and 4 for the various shapes of each component to complete the final shape of our mailbox. The letters (a) and their corresponding sublevels (a-1) indicates the right positioning of each layers starting with "a", and its sublevels, as the top layers down to "d", and its sublevels, as the lowest. Same letters means that they are in the same group folder. The letters indicates their layer name.

Step 6

Cmd/Ctrl-clicking the thumbnail of a layer in the Layers Tab, will activate the selection marquee around the object.

With this technique in hand, we can now color each parts of the mailbox. First add a new layer and name it as “face.” Then, fill the entire selection using the paint bucket tool (G) with color #6e6a67 then use a small soft brush (B) to shade the upper and lower parts of the selection with color #49463f, like as shown below.

Step 7

Next add a new layer and name it as "inner shadow." Using the technique we’ve established in Step 6, Cmd/Ctrl-click the thumbnail of the "face" layer to activate the selection marquee around it. Then, using the Paint Bucket tool (G), fill the entire selection with any color then decrease its Fill opacity to 0%. Lastly, follow the indicated layer style below. (editor：photoshop1)